#geekpoem: a crowdsourced poem created for GEEK2013

Commissioned by GEEK2013, poet Dan Simpson is creating a new poem about all things geek, made up of words submitted by the general public through the inclusive nature of social networks.

#geekpoem is about celebrating videogaming and the whole geek culture. Words and lines are submitted through Twitter and Facebook, before being edited by Dan into a brand new poem. It will be performed at GEEK2013 on Saturday, February 23rd, and an audio recording will subsequently be hosted on the GEEK2013 website.

Dan says: “#geekpoem is all about involving people in GEEK2013 through poetry and spoken word. We’re using social networks to get people writing about videogames and geek culture, then turning these words into a crowdsourced poem. Like people coming together to win a multiplayer game of Call of Duty or Halo, this poetry will be created through a team playing together – only with words!”

Kate Kneale from GEEK2013 says: “GEEK is all about celebrating creative innovation. A core part of the festival is to support the development of new work and we love the idea of getting as many people as possible involved in that process. We are really excited that Dan is working with us at GEEK and can’t wait to hear the results.”

To take part, go to www.crowdsourcedpoetry.co.ukand follow the project on Twitter @dansimpsonpoet /@GEEK_2013. Submissions are being taken between the 7th and 20th February.

Dan Simpsonis a spoken word poet and compère, poetry projects and event organiser, workshop facilitator and writer. He creates pioneering work with crowdsourced and outdoor poetry, and is host of The Word House in London. He’s performed for the BBC and his poetry has featured on London Underground.

GEEK2013 (Games Expo East Kent) is a cutting edge contemporary event, created by Marine Studios in 2012 to celebrate the social, cultural and economical value of gaming, and to encourage new interest in Margate regeneration.

This year’s event takes place in the Winter Gardens and other venues around the town during half term week, between 21st – 24th February.